Not everyone can claim a legacy remembered by scores more than 70 years after their death, but a gift from George Welsh Olmsted accomplished just that.
In 1926, Olmsted purchased a parcel of land near Scandia and donated it to the Boy Scouts of America for use as a camp. In 1927, building on the site was completed and Camp Olmsted opened for the first time.
Eighty-five years later, the camp still welcomes scouts from around the region for annual summer camp and other activities throughout the year, 72 years after Olmsted's death in 1940.
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Remembering the gift
On Oct. 7, the Chief Cornplanter Council of the Boy Scouts of America is organizing a hike to mark the 85th anniversary of Camp Olmsted. The group will travel to the grave of George Olmsted (shown) in Oakland Cemetery and lay flowers.
In honor of the camp's opening 85 years ago and the man who made it possible, the Chief Cornplanter Council of the Boy Scouts of America is organizing a hike to Olmsted's grave.
"We thought it would be nice to head up to his grave in Oakland and lay some flowers," Council Scout Executive Kevin Bonner said. "We're doing it in honor of the anniversary of Camp Olmsted. George Olmsted actually donated the site before 1927, but by the time the buildings were finished and it opened; that's when we mark the anniversary."
Bonner said the council usually holds a biennial hike from the Glade Bridge around Betts Park, a distance of approximately five miles.
The council is inviting Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, their families and anyone else who wants to join the pilgrimage to attend at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 7.
The hike is only a mile long, but Bonner warned the route for the excursion is not to be underestimated.
"It's shorter, but it's a little more demanding than in town since the cemetery portion is all uphill," Bonner said. "We've done hikes in town, but this year we decided to do something different in honor of the anniversary."
Participants in the hike will meet at the Council's Betts Scout Service Center at 316 Fourth Ave. before heading to the grave site.